A Mathematical Model of the Bag-Cell Neuron in Aplysia Californica

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Abstract

Aplysia Californica are marine mollusks with a relatively simple central nervous system that makes them ideal for investigating neurons. The bag-cell neuron is found in the Aplysia and is important due to its activity causing the onset of a series of behaviours which culminate in egg laying. The bag-cell neuron is generally not very active but can be stimulated into a long active period known as the afterdischarge in which the neuron releases a hormone that causes egg laying. The afterdischarge is due to a fundamental change in the electrophysiological properties of the bag-cell neuron. The purpose of this thesis is to determine a mathematical model for the electrical activity found in a single bag-cell neuron which can be used to investigate the afterdischarge behaviour.